Rolex air king; from the 1970s about as straightforward as it gets, so what could possibly go wrong? The bracelet's serial numbers match the watch's vintage, and this particular rolex has folded links.
Clive and Adrian were vehicle salesmen in the 1970s, so the performance right now definitely does indicate that it needs a service. It's a pretty movement, but it's very simple and devoid of complications, so it should be easy to use.
For those who are unfamiliar with watches from this era, the reference is a 5500. The serial number is located on the opposite side, in between the lugs.
Rolex Air King Features
The Rolex Air King is a watch with a number of notable features. Some of the main features of this watch include:
- Case: The Air King has a case made of Oystersteel, a corrosion-resistant alloy developed by Rolex. The case is available in a variety of sizes, including 34mm, 36mm, and 40mm.
- Dial: The Air King has a black dial with green accents, which are inspired by Rolex's aviation heritage. The dial also features hour markers and hands made of white gold, as well as a date window at the 3 o'clock position.
- Movement: The Air King is powered by the Caliber 3131 movement, which is an in-house, self-winding movement developed by Rolex. This movement is known for its accuracy and reliability.
- Water resistance: The Air King is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for everyday use and light water activities such as swimming and snorkeling.
- Bezel: The Air King features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert. This bezel is used to measure elapsed time and can be rotated in a single direction to prevent accidental rotation.
- Bracelet: The Air King comes with an Oyster bracelet made of Oystersteel, which is comfortable to wear and durable. The bracelet has a folding Oysterlock safety clasp to keep the watch securely on the wrist.
Rolex air king movement
Our initial step will be to remove the stem by loosening the setting lever screw. The movement is connected to the case by two clamps at the movement's edge; I'll remove them now and simply use a plastic bag to hold the movement in place as I turn it over and remove the case.
Now that the hands have been removed once more, we can see that the dial of this watch has a really lovely patina. Simply place the hands on a spotlessly clean piece of paper and carefully take them off the movement using a set of levers while keeping the dial protected with a plastic bag.
Then arrange them in the correct order; I like to do this. Moving on to releasing the dial: There are two screws, and a third one is on the opposite side of the case. Then, we just lift off the dial gently. This is a pretty movement. I'm going to remove the dial washer holding the hour wheel.
As soon as you flip the movement over so that the dial side is facing down on the stand and release the automatic works, maintain that held down.
so the screws for the automatic works are blued so just coming in now a pair of brass tweezers so i don't scratch the automatic works bridge there and placing it with its screws nice and neatly away.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Next thing is to take out the balance so just removing the retention screw there and carefully very carefully putting the balance into a little plastic box with its retention screw and popping that away carefully.
Okay we have to disarm the mainspring so i'm just pulling a little bit of pressure through the keyless works and moving the click to one side and just letting off any tension there.
Actually, there wasn't much on this one, and I've created a special tool for it; I'll be entering the room shortly with a pair of modified tweezers to remove the top wheel. The plastic bag is there to prevent you from damaging the train bridge.
"Also read: luxury watches generation Check about Rolex, cartier watch"
The barrel bridge comes off next, and we're going to remove the pallet fork now. Before we handle the ratchet wheel, let's remove its retaining screw.
After carefully lifting the train bridge with brass tweezers and removing its screws, which reveals the power train there and is just classic on this watch, flip the movement over.
Then remove the second, third, fourth, and escape wheels. The sliding pinion and setting lever are the last two parts and are under a lot of tension, so I have to be quite careful with this one. Additionally, the glass is fairly heavily scratched and has seen better days.
So we'll need to swap it out for a new one, and the first thing to do is remove the glass and bezel. We use a plastic bag to protect the case from the tool's jaws. I switch it over to my sort of dominant hand there to give it a little bit of torque.
Then we go and pop it off with the tool, which is nicely oiled. The old crystal is in the bezel, and it pops out back. Just gently lift the lid off to reveal the main spring. Up close, you can see that there is a lot of dark material that is, um, old grease dried up grease and that is not going to be helping at all.
Lift it out gently with a screwdriver and then holding on very carefully to the barrel, just release the spring. Make sure the arbor isn't catching on the lid when you do this otherwise you might get a bit of a surprise.
The disassembly is complete aside from the automatic work, so just quickly take those apart on this caliber there they're slightly more simple than on others.
If you don't hold the barrel tightly it's likely to fly across the room at mac 8, and then just placing it with the other components and that is the complete disassembly. It's time to clean the parts, and they will all go into the ultrasonic cleaner. The purple on the wheels is Teflon.
Clean the balance
Before placing the movement in the ultrasonic cleaner, replacing the balance is a safe and secure method of cleaning it. I have thus just reattached the balance to the movement and placed everything inside of its own compartment.
I truly employ three remedies. I start with an ultrasonic cleaning solution, but I then use a rinse solution, followed by a third wash with isopropyl alcohol to give the parts a minty clean finish.
The existing mainspring, which has likely been operating for 40 or 50 years, has a low amplitude, as I noted in reference to the new mainspring.
We're going to give the movement new life by adding a nice new feisty spring, but you need to be careful when you do it. There is the clean barrel, and the most important thing is to put it in correctly.
This is breaking grease, and you need to apply a small amount to the inner edge of the barrel before you add the spring. There is also the new spring.
Starting with the main spring brow, we will insert the barrel, replace the escape wheel into its jewel, and apply a small amount of lubrication to the main plate.
Merely ensuring that it is properly seated before moving on to the fourth, third, and second wheels. If you're wondering where the first wheel is, it is actually the main spring barrel.
You can see the teeth around the barrel there, and that is the first wheel in the train. Just move these delicate pivots around a little bit to try and get them all lined up before you put the bridge on.
"Also read: Garmin Epix 2 VS Apple Watch Ultra"
In order to get the pivots to come through okay, we need to be careful as we bring the bridge in. We'll just line it up as best we can, and then there will be some jiggling. Once you're sure that all the pivots are in on the train bridge here, it's a good idea to give it a little nudge.
You can see the train rocket into action there if you give the barrel a little prod, so for the time being, we'll just perform the pivots without a capstone. So a beginner mistake at this point is to forget the setting lever screw.
I've just put a tiny bit of grease on it there as it goes in, but you don't want to forget that because otherwise you'll have to remove the barrel bridge later, which is a hassle. So pop that in and then we can put the barrel bridge back on.
I'm just going to put a little lubricant on the top of the main spring arbor and back on with the barrel bridge here just making sure it's located correctly and then securing it down with two screws—one at each end.
Popping the ratchet wheel back on and just lining that up with the main spring arbor and then securing it down with its screw—and you can just see the train starting to move there—popping the crown wheel back on this is located by three screws we.
Simply tightening down the crown wheel and changing the used pinion. It requires some finesse to put on, and as you tighten it, it will want to turn. In order to get it exactly where we want it, we must carefully place that on the pinion.
There is too much lubricant on here so what i'll do is give it a really quick dip in some pure alcohol now it doesn't get rid of all of it but it calms it down.
Just placing it very very carefully back onto its jewel and having secured it back in place we are now ready for the moment of truth will the watch fire back up.
"Also read: Fitbit inspire 3 the best health fitness tracker review"
Rolex air king price
The Rolex air King 5500 is a fantastic timepiece to buy. It is also one of the least priced vintage Rolex models, making it not only the most affordable Air-King reference.
It is an excellent timepiece to start your Rolex collection because of its affordable price and classic, timeless design. One of the most affordable men's Rolex models currently available, with a retail price of $6,450.
Customers who purchase the Air-King frequently wear it as a tool watch. As always, everything ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and financial situation.
Is the Rolex Air-King worth buying?
One of the oldest titles in the Rolex inventory that is still being offered is the Air-King. The present design, a 40mm cased aviator's tool watch with a dial that closely resembles aviation instruments, is more familiar to collectors.
In reality, it has deep origins in the world of dress watches. The Air King is described as having a "striking new design" with a 40mm case and a black dial with green accents.
It is powered by the Caliber 3131 movement and is water-resistant to 100 meters. The watch also features a unidirectional rotating bezel and a ceramic insert.
Air King has a more modern and sporty look compared to its previous versions, and that its green accents pay tribute to the brand's aviation heritage.
The watch is also praised for its affordability, with a retail price of $6,150. Overall, Air King is a "powerful and unexpected" addition to Rolex's lineup.
0 Comments